90 HP Low take off power

[AQUASPORT112]

My 1992 90 HP Johnson seems to have very low power out of the hole. It takes forever to plane off, once it does it cruises fairly well. Last year I cleaned the carbs and replaced the base gasket. The comp readings were all ok and close to each other. Could it be a coil or power pack problem? Never changed any of them before or plug wires either.

 

[petryshyn]

Re: 90 HP Low take off power

Don't run it in this condition until you rectify the problem or it will likely cost you.

-have you ever changed the prop?
-how does it idle?
-what rpm do you normally get at wide open throttle when it performed normal?
-what rpm are you getting now at wide open throttle?
-any horn warnings?
-did it run fine last year after the carb repairs?
-are you using fresh fuel?
-have you changed plugs recently?
-are there ANY fuel leaks anywhere?
-have you tried running with the fuel cap loosened?

This will give us something to work with.....

 

[AQUASPORT112]

Re: 90 HP Low take off power

Same 19 pitch alum prop in good condition I've had for 7 years. I have a 17 sst I have not put on in a couple years because I have to watch high end rpm. Cleaning carbs didn't help last year. I'll have to check full throttle rpm next time we are up to camp. Normally about 5000 to 5500 I think. No fuel leaks or horns. New plugs 2 years ago. Never tried with cap loose. Fuel is fresh this year, I always use a fuel conditioner when it is stored. It idles OK but has a slight skipping type noise at idle, but runs fairly smooth.

 

[AQUASPORT112]

Re: 90 HP Low take off power

A side note, I believe 2 and 3 years ago, the temp horn went off and the engine stopped while waterskiing, it happened only once in each year. The engine was not hot to touch and restarted after a minute or so. Last season I replaced the waterpump and housing although the old one looked in good condition. No problems this or last season with that.

 

[petryshyn]

Re: 90 HP Low take off power

Have you tried assisting with fuel supply by squeezing the primer bulb while attempting to plane under wide open throttle?

 

[AQUASPORT112]

Re: 90 HP Low take off power

No, I'll try that next weekend, thanks.